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Tunisia’s strategic location on the northern coast of Africa have long attracted conquerors throughout the ages. Its proximity to Sicily and Sardinia meant millennia of European incursions, but this land on the edge of the Sahara Desert also attracted people from lands further away.

The most famous city of Carthage is thought to have been founded by a princess from Tyre, Lebanon, named Dido. She was the first to settle among the native people and founded Carthage in the 9th century BCE. The city quickly grew to be a major Mediterranean power, and that attracted rivals, most notably, Rome. They fought several wars, but in the end, Rome prevailed and destroyed Carthage, razing it to the ground in the 2nd century BCE. Rome ruled for another 500 years. Arab conquerors arrived in the 7th century and converted the native Berbers to Islam. The land was ruled by successive Islamic dynasties until being taken over by French colonial rule in the late 19th century.

After achieving independence in 1956, Tunisia mostly pursued a progressive social agenda and sought to modernize its economy under two long-serving presidents, Habib Bourguiba and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. However, Tunisia remained an authoritarian state with an all-powerful ruling party and no significant institutions of representative government.

This came to an end in early 2011 after the popular uprising against corruption and authoritarian rule called the Jasmine Revolution caused Ben Ali to flee. It was also the spark of the popular uprisings across most of North Africa and the Middle East. Democratic elections have been held in Tunisia, and the transition to representative democracy, while not perfect, has been more successful here than in other countries in the region.

Tunisian society is very diverse, and Christians and Jews have lived among the Muslim majority for centuries. The old and the new are present in cities like the capitol of Tunis where the traditional Arab souk resides among modern office buildings. The tree and cafe-lined main boulevard in the city could be anywhere in southern Europe.

Tunisia has long been a popular holiday destination for Europeans and more and more Americans. Vacations in Tunisia can take many forms – a beach holiday, exploring ancient Roman and Punic ruins, discover the Berber culture, wander through extensive oases, Enjoy the beaches, but also enjoy the history and culture of this North African gem.

Egypt Tours

At Caravan-Serai, we are experts in Egypt tours and travel. We can plan as much or as little as you need for your Egypt vacation. Explore Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, the Red Sea resorts, and more. We can also combine Egypt with a visit to another country such as Israel or Jordan, both are very easy add-ons! Give us a call or contact us with any questions to to begin booking your Egypt exploration today.

If you, like so many others, dream of seeing the real land of the pharaohs, there has never been a better time. Tourism is encouraged and welcomed by the government and the people of Egypt.

Egypt has been, and continues to be one of the most celebrated countries in North Africa. Incredibly rich in archaeological wonders, cultural flavors and recreational options, Egypt is without a doubt high on the list of any seasoned traveler who intends to visit the highlights of the world in his or her lifetime.

Egypt’s archaeological treasures are second only to its people. When chatting with people in the street, in the hotel, and in the shops, you will find that the people of Egypt are unaffectedly friendly. Making time to meet new friends is the best way to reap the rewards of this country. Egypt is as ready to welcome the visitor as it has been in the past. With its waves of conquests and settlers, Egypt has constantly reached out, but always gives back something in return. The key to understanding Egypt is realizing that it is not merely a museum with inhabitants, but a constantly evolving culture.

Egypt comprises some 1,002,000 square kilometers and consists of four clearly defined geographic regions: the Nile Valley, the Western Desert, the Eastern Desert, and the Sinai Peninsula.

Suggested Pre-Trip Reading

Below are a selection of books about Egypt – history, culture, travel, international relations, food and language – available on Amazon. These are just suggestions, and may be available elsewhere, to help you familiarize yourself a bit before you travel. Of course there are many more books to read on the subject, but hopefully these will get you started.

Additional Egypt Travel Information

Get your Egyptian visa before arrival and skip the visa line! Apply online here:

https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg

Here are some articles of interest about Egypt:

National Geographic selects Egypt among best trips for 2020: CNN

Egypt is the World’s 8th Safest Country: Report

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Egypt or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.